This is so very true. When in Alaska - I had no need for AC - ever! But
when I drove out from up there - well, it go hot. I left up there in
late august and it was nice. In fact - in one place - I think I was at
Watson Lake - I had frost in the morning. Made it all the way to Ft.
Collins not needing AC - but at Ft Collins it was warm that night. But
next night at Ft. Smithy Arkansas I had to get off the road and into a
motel for the night. The heat was unbearable. So the need for AC varies
with your travels. Something to keep in mind.

John

On 5/9/2013 5:00 PM, Stephen Grisanti wrote:
> Jim,When I bought my '87 the A/C system was complete but blowing hot.  I invested about $40 in a FLAPS R134a conversion kit and that sufficed to keep the van cool.  A persistent leak in the system means it requires an annual recharge but this would be a cheap enough approach for you to see if the system is viable.
> Depending on where you live or travel, A/C might be a luxury or a necessity.  Here in VA, life without it in the summer is like punishment and I've hit humid 95F days in Maine on a trip and 103F in Kentucky.  Glad it was working then, too.
> Stephen
>
> --- On Thu, 5/9/13, James Ogul <jimogul70@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>
> From: James Ogul <jimogul70@GMAIL.COM>
> Subject: AC Question
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Date: Thursday, May 9, 2013, 5:36 PM
>
> Thanks to all for your response to my question on the AC system for my 85 Westy.  Based on what you've said I think I will just let it be.  Having spent most of my 72 years without AC in a car I can live without it and I'd rather spend my limited retirement income on necessary repairs.  Meanwhile my wife and I are really enjoying the Westy.  Great fun to drive and camping without having to set up and take down a tent (especially in the rain) is a real treat.
>
> Jim
> 85 Westy
> 68 Saab V4
> 87 Saab 900T
> 2010 Subaru Forester
>